The Castle Lake Trail is one of the longer hiking trails in the Mount Shasta area. Nearly 11 miles round trip, it offers up a spectacular feast of lakes and peaks as well as some of the finest views in the region. Surprisingly, once one climbs above Castle Lake, the trail is also among the least traveled in the area. In addition to being the foot route to the summit of Mount Bradley, side trips off of the trail lead to the summit of Castle Peak and Heart Lake. Even if one skips the detour to Heart Lake, Castle Lake and Little Castle Lake are still reached via the path. Due to its many superlative sites, the Castle Lake Trail is one of the best introductions to the Mount Shasta region.

The Trail

From the parking lot, follow the path east, crossing the lakes outlet after only 30 yards or so. Once across the creek, which is Castle Lake Creek, the trail turns south and begins climbing up the eastern wall above Castle Lake. As the route gains elevation, views of Castle Lake periodically open up through the trees. The lake is one of the three largest in the Klamath Mountains, along with Caribou Lake in the Trinity Alps, which at 72 acres is the largest, and Ukonom Lake in the Marble Mountains. The summit of Castle Peak is visible above the sheer granite headwall at the southern end of the lake. As one nears the top of the climb, the trees thin out and the trail becomes rockier. At 0.5 miles from the trailhead, one finally reaches a saddle 400 feet above Castle Lake.

Mount Shasta rises beyond Little Castle Lake.

From the saddle, the Castle Lake Trail turns east and passes along the shore of a small tarn. The pool often lasts all year, though it may dry up at the end of the season on drier years. Beyond the tarn, the trail begins to drop steeply. Water runoff has eroded the trail in some places. After descending for 0.25, the route enters a lush meadow with views of Mount Shasta peering from around a ridge. A short spur trail veers off the main route and into some trees. Beyond the glade lies Little Castle Lake. The appellation is derived not only from the lakes proximity to Castle Lake and the Castle Crags but also from its high granite headwall that is a miniature edition of the massive wall that towers above Castle Lake. Although it is not deep, the lake is attractive and a great view of Mount Shasta is to be had for those who scale the granite wall.

Battle Rock, the highpoint of the Castle Crags.

To continue to Mount Bradley, return to the main path, which descend another 300 feet before leveling off. At this point the trail begins a 0.5 miles stretch through a densely wooded area. This is the only part of the route that is viewless. Once the climbing begins in earnest, the crest of the Mount Bradley ridge is nigh. Upon topping out, one is treated to an incredible view of “North Pinnacle”, which is also known locally as “Castle Spire”. This granite turret is the high point of the Castle Crags formation, the bulk of which is seen to the southeast. Be sure to mark the point where the trail leaves the ridge and drops into the forest. The trail on the ridge was once an old road and it continues west beyond this point. There are usually rocks piled up to block the road and indicate where the trail turns north on the return trip, but there are no guarantees that they will always be there.

Mount Eddy and the Eddy Range.

From this point the Castle Lake Trail continues on the top of the ridge for another 3.5 miles. Although some sections passes through lightly wooded areas, it is generally open with excellent views. After heading along the ridge for 1.25 miles, the trail skirts the edge of Peak 5,783 and turns due easterly. Another mile brings the route to the top of Point 5,673. Both of these summits are higher than Mount Bradley and offer excellent views and destinations in their own rights. For many, they are better destinations, since the route from this point on follows a more obvious roadbed, rather than single-track. After descending from Peak 5,673 the trail meets the maintained road to the lookout that begins in Dunsmuir. Simply follow the road to the summit.

Directions

From the town of Mt. Shasta, head west on W. Lake, crossing over I-5. At the stop sign, turn left onto Old Stage Road. After 0.25 miles, veer right onto WA Barr Road. Continue south, crossing over the dam that impounds the Sacramento River and forms Lake Siskiyou. Just past the dam, make a left hand turn onto Castle Lake Road which climbs for 7 miles to the roads end at Castle Lake.

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8 comments on “Castle Lake Trail”

I’m assuming the landowners have finally had enough of the squatters who have trashed that first bit of the trail? Do you know if the land owners would respond to a request for permission to pass over?

It is not that simple. The land owners did not have an issue with the land being used. However, the owner died a few years ago and it is the estate, for liability reasons, that has made an issue of the access. The same estate has sold a couple of sections up on Mount Eddy to the Forest Service with more in the works. The FS wants to buy the Castle Lake parcel too but they have not yet come to terms on a price.

Can you please help me understand how once can hike this trail if this 0.75 mile of the trail is not legally accessible? Is there an alternative trail head such that the first 0.75 miles can be skipped? Thank you.

The forest service website says east side trails to heart and little castle are private property and posted as such. Never heard this or saw postings. You dont mention anything Know anything about this? Is this old info?

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